Direct one way flights from Dubai to Doha, Qatar on November 20 cost $1,089, nearly five times the current airfare of $217
Flights from Dubai to Doha are set to witness a record upsurge in ticket prices, as the state of Qatar prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 in November.
Direct one way flights from Dubai to Doha on 20 November cost $1,089 (AED4000) nearly five times the current airfare of $217 (AED800).
The price rise comes as the country gears up for the football mega-event set to take place between 21 November and 18 December.
Qatari flag carrier Qatar Airways has ramped up recruitment efforts to meet the anticipated surge in market demand ahead of the tournament. In addition, the airline has expanded its international network and stepped up efforts to restore pre-COVID-19 capacity.
Ticket applications for the FIFA World Cup opened in late January. Prices for a seat for a group-stage match starts at QAR250 for international visitors, although Qatar residents will get discounts to bring the cost down as low as QAR40. Ticket sales are ongoing and will end February 8.
The event, which was rescheduled to November to avoid the heat, is forecasted to host 1.2 million visitors from across the globe, and has raised hopes for significant economic growth and accelerated sector recovery.
Qatar has invested hundreds of billions of dollars in developing infrastructure and building stadiums to host the event. One key organiser estimated that the event could spur a $20 billion boost to the economy, Bloomberg previously reported, but risks of new coronavirus variants could upset projections.
The Qatari government has also set maximum rates for hotel rentals during the World Cup in a bid to counter potential price-gouging. In addition, Qatar Tourism has announced a simplified process to issue holiday homes licences for residential property owners to list their units for short-term rentals ahead the FIFA World Cup.
The entity is working with popular international websites such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Holidayhomes.com and Vrbo after receiving a growing number of inquiries on the licensing process from citizens and investors through its website.
“The spirit of hospitality is a distinct feature of Qatari tradition. As we prepare to host visitors from every corner of the world for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, it is our chance to showcase our true essence,” Mohamed Al Ansari, director of tourism licensing, said at the time.
Source:https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/dubai-doha-fares-to-skyrocket-in-five-fold-increase-for-fifa-world-cup-in-qatar